I am currently feeling that way about ATS/tribal/tribal fusion. I got into it thinking it would be a great way to meet other dancers and I loved the sense of experimentation. I sought out instruction with all the top dancers, but you know lately, I just feel like there is nowhere else to go from here. Everyone is starting to look the same to me... from songs to costuming to choreography. It also seems to have become incredibly cliquish. If you are not part of the cool crowd, well... you know...

On a positive note, it has led me to rediscover what brought me to the dance in the beginning. The bellydancers that inspired me growing up were the traditional 5 part routine, zills, veil and sword restaurant performers in all their sequins and chiffon glory. These were incredibly talented women who could shimmy, wield a sword, and entrance you with a veil all while never removing their zills! Yes, they were often fusionistas themselves, but also knew what to do when a 9/8 or Saidi rhythm was played.

This past weekend, Artie showed us some video of sultan's acts. Amira, my first instructor, was of that generation of dancers and had told me about doing them herself. It's killing me that I can't remember her name now, but there was footage of a dancer from TX doing some amazing coin- flipping! I know it's a parlor trick, but man, what a parlor trick! The control that she had in her abs was ridiculously impressive. Anyway, my point is that you hardly see that anymore. American Cabaret/Vintage Orientale and Turkish-style bellydancing seem to be slowly fading away, at least in this area.

I know the art form is growing and changing as well it should be and I still love good dancing of any style. I, however, have decided that it is time for me to go back to my first experiences with bellydance, dive back in and rediscover all those things that I swept aside with my tribal infatuation.

I just wanted to squee a bit! :)

I am going to up to MD this weekend to study with Artemis. If you don't know who Artemis is, then run... don't walk... to the link above and check her out! She is a wealth of knowledge and a treasure to the bellydance community.

An incredible deal for fitness classes for VT students, faculty and staff! Purchase a Spring Full Fitness or War Memorial Only pass and save 33% off the regular semester prices.

This special is available until January 5, 2009. With the 33% discount, the Full Fitness pass (students only) is $30.15 and the WMH pass (faculty, staff and students) is only $16.75!

I hope to be teaching again in War Memorial on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm. Please come join me!